St. Paul Lutheran boys win state

Members of the boys state championship team from St. Paul Lutheran School include (front row, l-r) Lane Niemtschk, Mason Fisher, Jacob Williamson, Colton Ripley, (back row) James Garcia (coach), Ashton Schaefer, Logan Fisher, John Vickers, Ashton Albert, Jack Willis (coach). THORNDALE—On Feb. 15, the St. Paul Varsity Lion team earned first place honors at the State Tournament for Lutheran Schools. The Lions had earned the top seed position from their outstanding season performance.

Their first opponents fell by large margins of over 25 points. The real challenges came in the championship game against Salem Lutheran

School of Tomball. The Lions battled back and forth and won this nail biter in the final seconds by a score of 39-38. Their consistency and patience paid off with a championship trophy.

The last team to win at the state level for the Lions was in 2009 and included members from this year’s senior class at Thorndale High School.

The Lions received top notch support from the Thorndale families who have traveled with us all season. It is a mark of great pride that our school is so well supported by the community.

The team included eight members, seven of which will be moving on to high school play next year.